FSCS vs IVV
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSCS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $61M | $886.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.98% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +4.71% | +12.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.09% | +20.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.12% | +20.91% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.85% | +12.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2017 | May 15, 2000 |
FSCS vs IVV Performance
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FSCS returned +2.09% while IVV returned +20.37%. Year to date, FSCS is up 4.71% versus a gain of 12.13% for IVV.
Over three years, FSCS compounded at +10.12% per year against +20.91% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +5.85% and +12.59% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FSCS has the edge at +7.98% annualized vs +6.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -43.6% for FSCS and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSCS charges 0.60% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSCS currently yields 0.98% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FSCS and IVV share 30 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSCS or IVV?
FSCS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSCS or IVV?
Over the past year FSCS returned +2.09% vs +20.37% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FSCS annualized +7.98% vs +6.97% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSCS or IVV?
FSCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FSCS -43.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FSCS and IVV?
FSCS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSCS and IVV?
FSCS and IVV share 30 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSCS or IVV?
FSCS yields 0.98% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.